Is this the weakest Lions squad in memory ?

There has been talk in the press about this being the strongest Lions squad ever put together.

I have at least a vague recollection of each of the Lions tours since 89, and to me this is arguably the weakest squad assembled.

Let's have a look at the units in comparison to previous squads :

FRONT ROW
Some quality performers at prop, not least Jones and Jenkins who were monumental on the South Africa 09 tour (my god was that really 4 years ago ?????). Im not sure Jenkins is the player he was though - he doesn't even start for his club these days, and players like Dan Cole don't cut the mustard in my book. Hookers look comparatively weak.

Verdict BELOW AVERAGE

SECOND ROW
Some quality line out jumpers there, and the old bruiser O'Connell. Not in the same league as previous squads in terms of world class quality though.

Verdict BELOW AVERAGE

BACK ROW
The back row for the lions is usually outstanding. There are some real quality players in this squad, with warburton and tupiric world class on their day. The 8s look fairly one dimensional though, and one can't help wondering how chris robshaw has missed out, and how tom croft and dan lydiate have made it.

Verdict SLIGHTLY BELOW AVERAGE

HALF BACK
Aside from Mike Phillips who had an excellent tour to South Africa, there isn't a half back in this squad fit to grace a Lions Jersey. Almost certainly the weakest set of half backs ever to tour with the Lions.

Verdict WEAKEST EVER

CENTRES
Like the back row, the centres are usually dripping with talent on Lions tours. There is one established world class player in there this time - one of the best of all time in fact - but he looked a shadow of his former self this season, and I am personally a bit surprised he has made the tour. Roberts doesn't look the same player he was four years ago either. Although I don't see the point in taking BOD on tour unless he is going to play the test matches, it wouldn't surprise me if the test pair is Davies and Tuilagi, and I can see it being vital that Gatland gets the most out of these players.

Verdict BELOW AVERAGE

BACK 3
The Wales back 3 are probably the strongest they've had in 30 years. With tommy bowe and Kearney on board as well, this looks like comfortably the strongest unit that the Lions have.

Verdict STRONG-VERY STRONG

CAPTAIN
Comes across as a bit of a wuss. Not in the same league as the likes of Johnson or ODriscoll. Saying that he did seem to inspire Wales at the world cup.

Verdict UNKNOWN


Looking at the above, I'm thankful we're touring Australia, because I don't think this squad would stand a hope in hell in either NZ or SA.